The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) of India has launched a pilot scheme aiming to expand the use of green hydrogen in various residential, commercial, and community applications.
This program represents a vital advancement in India’s efforts to diversify the green hydrogen sector, stepping beyond the typical focus of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The government has earmarked Rs 200 crore for this initiative, with the financial period extending through the fiscal years till 2025-26. The primary aim is to encourage the adoption of green hydrogen in non-traditional, decentralized applications, promoting its benefits in sectors that are yet to fully exploit this potential. Innovative methods are set to receive governmental support, including floating solar-based hydrogen production, hydrogen extraction from biomass, and wastewater-based hydrogen generation.
A key aspect of this scheme is the emphasis on using green hydrogen as a decentralized energy source for various applications such as cooking, heating, off-grid electricity, and powering off-road vehicles. Pilot projects under this initiative will evaluate the viability of using green hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel for household and commercial purposes, local community services, and city gas networks. This could be transformative for remote communities by offering them sustainable and cleaner energy solutions.
Safety and reliability are critical components of this program. The initiative seeks to prove the safe usage of green hydrogen across different sectors, validating its performance in varied environments. This effort supports India’s larger objective of developing sustainable energy options while reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.